Meaning & use
ordain
Last updated
To officially invest someone with priestly or ministerial authority, or to order something officially.
See it in a sentence
After years of study, she was ordained as a minister in a small ceremony.
The king ordained that the bridge be rebuilt before winter.
A note on using this word
Most commonly used in a religious context (to ordain a priest or minister), but it can also mean to order or decree something formally, especially in older or legal English.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To order or establish something officially or with authority.
The law ordains that all vehicles must be inspected annually.
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